The Annie Effect

The Annie Effect

'An insightful story of a determined and inspirational woman who set out to make a difference by transforming lives through fun, fitness, friends and fundraising."

Ever thought about running a marathon, doing an ocean swim and training for a triathlon? If you think those things might be beyond you, think again!

In this intensely personal memoir, Annie Crawford tells her own life story and how her experiences and beliefs led her to develop a life that gave her a sense of greater purpose.

The Annie Effect shows how she turned her love of running into an organisation that has changed the lives of thousands of people. Can Too is a non-profit program that has trained over 13,500 people and raised more than $17 million"enough to fund 147 cancer researchers and counting.

She's also learned the joy of giving back through her involvement with other not-for-profit organisations that have enriched her life. If you've never thought you were capable of doing something extraordinary, Annie's story will change your mind. You Can Too!

Note: All proceeds from the sale of The Annie Effect will be donated to the Can Too organisation.

An accredited running coach and self-confessed 'running addict" – Annie Crawford decided to combine her passion for running and fitness with raising money for a non-profit organisation. And so, the idea for Can Too was born. Years later and she has received a number of awards for her contributions, such as a Member of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours, Australian on the Year 2010 and 2012, Telstra Business Woman of the Year, Women of Style Awards 2011 and was one of the 100 Women of Influence by the Financial Review in 2012.

Interview with Annie Crawford

Question: What inspired The Annie Affect?

Annie Crawford: I was approached by New Holland Publishers as they thought that my story might be a story worth sharing. I had never considered writing a book, although people often (half-jokingly) said to me that I should write one. I was unsure at first but then realized it would be an opportunity to hopefully inspire others to face fears and do the things they were passionate about in life. When I was told that I would be working with Laura Fulton as a ghost writer, I felt more comfortable. She was wonderful to work with.

Question: What did you learn about yourself when writing The Annie Affect?

Annie Crawford: I learnt that it is an amazing process to reflect on your life. It is also sad at times as you remember experiences in your life that were really difficult. It is also very self-exposing, especially if it is not something you planned on doing. I made a decision that I had to tell the whole story (from my perspective anyway) and not leave out the bits that I don't really want people to know about me. I don't really like people knowing that I have experienced anxiety and mild depression and that I felt ashamed to tell people.

Question: What do you hope readers take away from The Annie Affect?

Annie Crawford: I hope they take away 3 things. The first is that you have to take risks and face fears if you are going to live a full life. If you follow up on your passions, your life can be far more enriching than you ever imagined. Secondly I feel that I have been incredibly privileged in my life and that with privilege comes responsibility. I am lucky to have had such a loving family and amazing friends in my life. I want to share that with others.

Thirdly not everyone that appears confident on the outside is confident, but we can take steps to change and be the person we want to be.

Question: What is Can Too?

Annie Crawford: Can Too Foundation, We bike, run, swim to fight cancer. Get Fitter, Faster, Stronger! Fight Cancer ! Fund Research! The Can Too Foundation is a Health Promotion Foundation that invests in the health and well being of the Community and in Cancer Prevention. Can Too enables people to move beyond their comfort zone and do things they only dreamed of to improve their mental and physical health and at the same time raise vital funds for young Australian cancer researchers in the early stages of their careers.

Can Too participants receive professional coaching as part of an inspiring, motivating and empowering team to run marathons, half marathons, 10ks, do ocean swims and triathlons, often but not exclusively for the first time.

Can Too has now trained 13,500 people in 3 states of Australia and those incredible and passionate people have raised $17 Million to fund cancer researchers